How can physiotherapy help me?
Physiotherapy can support you from your initial diagnosis through to long-term management of your condition.
Medication is often essential for controlling inflammation. But physiotherapy can:
- Help improve function
- Reduce pain
- Enhance quality of life
Treatment may include:
- Advice and education
- Flare management advice
- Pain management strategies
- Joint protection strategies
- Assessment with and provision of walking aids
- Exercise programmes - for during and out of a flare
- Lifestyle advice and signposting to other services - like healthy weight or stopping smoking
- Referral to a leisure centre
The rheumatology team can refer you when you are diagnosed or later. They will refer you if they feel physiotherapy would work for you.
You can also self-refer if:
- You have a confirmed inflammatory diagnosis
- You are under the care of our trust (Northumbria Healthcare)
Call the physiotherapy admin team of your local hospital:
Wansbeck and Blyth - 01670 564010
North Tyneside - 0191 293 4064
Hexham - 01434 655031
Alnwick - 01665 626787
Berwick - 01289 356643
One of our rheumatology physiotherapists will assess you at your chosen hospital.
We will ask you questions to find out how the condition is affecting you. We will likely check the affected joints.
We will then give you targeted advice and education. We will give you exercises to do at home.
Please come dressed in comfortable clothing that will allow us to fully assess all your affected joints.
You may have several appointments with us. We will make sure you feel confident to self-manage your condition.